Which jobs qualify for car insurance discounts?

Which jobs can get car insurance discounts?

Teachers and first responders are the most common groups to receive car insurance discounts. Other professionals may qualify through an employer or association program. Military members and federal employees also have dedicated savings programs with some companies. Your exact eligibility depends on where you live and which insurer writes your policy.

Jobs that qualify for auto insurance discounts with some companies include:

Architects
Certified Public Accountants
College professors
Dentists
Doctors
Elementary and high school teachers
Engineers
Firefighters
Lawyers and judges
Librarians
Military service members
Pilots
Police officers
Registered nurses
Scientists
Teachers

Why does your occupation affect car insurance rates?

For car insurance companies, rates are all about risk. People who are statistically less likely to file a claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing. pay less for car insurance, and it turns out people in certain jobs (like medical professionals, teachers, and first responders) are less risky, according to the statistics.

"People within [certain] professions have a lower frequency of claims," says Pavel Levitanus, a Farmers Insurance agent in Laguna Hills, Calif.

These workers tend to work in the communities where they live, so they probably don't commute long distances. First responders may speed down the road in emergencies, but not in their own vehicles, and they tend not to work from 9 to 5. Think of the firefighter who works 24-hour shifts.

"They're not driving out there in rush hour every day," Country Financial spokesperson Jeff Muniz says.

That means they're at lower risk for accidents. Country Financial gives up to a 5% discount to first responders, including firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics, and up to a 10% discount to full-time K-12 teachers in most of the states where it does business.

Discounts are also good PR.

"These are people who protect us and take care of our kids. They've given so much to our community," Muniz says. "This is a way we can give back to them."

GEICO is among companies that offer discounts to military service members and members of several military professional organizations. Retired members and those on active duty, as well as National Guard or Reserves members, can qualify for up to a 10% discount.

Which insurance companies offer occupation discounts?

COUNTRY Financial, Farmers, GEICO and Liberty Mutual are among the insurers with current occupation, military, employee or professional-group savings programs. The programs work differently, so compare the eligibility rules instead of looking only at the advertised percentage. Discounts can also vary by state and may not apply to every part of your premium.

Country Financial's occupation discounts, for instance, are not available in Alaska, Georgia or Tennessee, and its discount for teachers is up to 5% in Kansas, versus 10% in other states where it's available.

Some jobs score bigger discounts than others. Mid-Century Insurance Co., a Farmers subsidiary, offers 18% discounts to practicing physicians, dentists and veterinarians in California, and 12% discounts to registered nurses, physical and occupational therapists and chiropractors. Certified Public Accountants, college professors, and full-time K-12 teachers in California get 18% off with the company, while lawyers and judges, architects, librarians, and pilots get 12% off.

Rules for qualifying for discounts also vary by field. To qualify for Mid-Century's discount in California, doctors, nurses and other health care providers must have a license to practice; a degree alone doesn't suffice. But folks who toughed it out in college and earned at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, math or science qualify for the 18% engineering or science discount, even if they work in other fields.

Levitanus says to be sure to ask about professional and business group discounts when you get car insurance quotes. You might qualify, even if you're retired, he adds.

In many cases, these are not discounts you will see listed on your policy; rather, the reduction is a part of your base rate. You simply pay less because of your occupation.

FAQ: Occupation-based car insurance discounts

Do teachers get a car insurance discount?

Yes, teachers can get car insurance discounts from some insurers. COUNTRY Financial currently offers full-time K-12 teachers an occupation discount of up to 10%, while Liberty Mutual advertises special savings and coverage benefits for teachers. Your savings and eligibility depend on the insurer, state and policy you choose.

Do nurses and doctors get car insurance discounts?

Yes, nurses and doctors may qualify for car insurance savings with some insurers. Farmers currently lists doctors and nurses among professionals who may qualify for career-related discounts. Other insurers may offer savings through an employer or professional association instead of a direct occupation discount. Check your insurer before assuming your profession qualifies.

Does your occupation affect your car insurance rate in every state?

No, your occupation does not affect car insurance pricing in every state or with every insurer. State laws and insurer rating rules determine how occupation can be used. New York, for example, restricts the use of occupation and education in auto insurance pricing unless insurers meet specific regulatory requirements.

Can you get an occupation discount after you retire?

You may still qualify for some group or membership savings after retirement, but eligibility depends on the specific insurer and program. Military retirees, for example, can qualify for GEICO's military discount. For other professions, ask whether retired members remain eligible through an association or affinity program before counting on the discount.